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The CCRN is valid for three years. Before it expires you renew one of two ways — earn
continuing-education points, or retake the exam. Here’s exactly what AACN
requires.
How long is the CCRN good for?
Three years from the date you certify. AACN sends reminders as your renewal date approaches,
but the responsibility to renew on time is yours.
Two ways to renew
Option 1 — Synergy CERPs (what most nurses do)
Earn 100 CERPs across the three years. On the Direct Care pathway that means
at least 60 in Category A, at least 10 each in Categories B and C, and 20 in any category.
CERPs work like contact hours, but you also earn credit for activities like precepting,
presenting, and publishing — so much of it can come from work you already do.
Option 2 — Retake the exam
You can also renew by passing the current CCRN exam again. Most nurses choose CERPs, but a
retake is a clean option if you’ve been out of formal CE.
What if you miss the deadline?
AACN offers Inactive status — up to three additional years to meet
the requirements. While inactive you can’t use the CCRN credential, but you can reactivate it
as soon as you complete the renewal requirements.
Unlock 590+ CCRN practice questions across 4 full-length simulators — $19.99 lifetime →
Sources & references
The exam facts on this page are drawn from official certifying-body materials, reviewed 2026-06-18 by the DrCertifications exam-prep team (10+ years in exam preparation and publishing).